Steve Bullman

From the very first demonstration, Graham Kenward of South East Forestry and Tree Services was sold on the health and safety benefits of Aspen Fuel. More than a decade on, the firm still swears by Aspen Alkylate fuel for their suite of two-stroke equipment, delivering clean and convenient power to projects in confined spaces. Founded by Graham in 1997, South East Forestry and Tree Services undertake the full breadth of tree surgery services for domestic and commercial customers across Surrey and Sussex. Powering much of that operation for the last 10 years has been Aspen Fuel. Graham takes up the story, “I learned about the product through a friend and arranged to have a demonstration of it. All I could say at the time was WOW!” “It’s certainly not right, but as an arborist you almost just get used to getting home at the end of the day with bloodshot eyes and the smell of petrol over your clothes – particularly if you’ve been working in confined spaces. As soon as we started to use Aspen in our 2-stroke equipment, that all stopped immediately.” He continues, “Not only that but the shelf life of it is incredible. Depending on workload we might have equipment that’ll sit in the shed for two or three years untouched. If it’s got Aspen in the tank, it’ll start up at the first time of asking.” 99% cleaner than ordinary pump petrol in regards to levels of hazardous hydrocarbons, Aspen Fuel is virtually free from Ethanol, Aromatics and Benzene, bringing enhanced performance and a longer service life for all types of modern 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines. Together with extending engine life and reliability, the significantly fewer harmful and toxic hydrocarbons reduce the impact your equipment has on your health and the environment. “You can’t put a price on your health and, when I factor in the further efficiencies and convenience brought about by having the Aspen delivered in 200L drums to site, we more than offset the additional cost of using Aspen in our chainsaws and other petrol-powered hand tools.” For more information about Aspen 2 or Aspen 4, and to find your local stockist, visit www.aspenfuel.co.uk

Over 300kg lighter than his previous machine, and with no compromise on build quality or powerful performance, an FSI B31-980 is proving itself to be ‘no lightweight’ for Dave Williams of Tree Stump Solutions. A big fan of the FSI equipment, Dave was looking to replace the largest stump grinder on his fleet when FSI introduced the higher horsepower model to the range – and he wasted no time in getting his hands on one! Offering stump removal services to domestic customers from Northamptonshire to Cambridgeshire, owner Dave Williams established Tree Stump Solutions in 2011. Over that time, he’s used various makes and models of stump grinder – but admits that the FSI machines have always been his firm favourite. “I’ve been using a pedestrian FSI B20 stump grinder for over five years now and the build quality of that is outstanding – I’ve never had to repair or replace anything, not even the bearings” Dave explains. With the FSI B20 catering for tasks at the smaller end of the spectrum, the need arose to replace his largest machine and he knew just where to look. “I’d seen the FSI B31 with the 26hp engine which was an ideal size operationally, and when FSI combined this same narrow design and build quality with a 38hp engine I knew it was exactly what I wanted!” Dave took delivery of his FSI B31-980 from DJB Machinery in March 2025 and it is already exceeding expectations. “The machine this replaced weighed close to 1000kg. This FSI B31-980 comes in at 680kg which makes a huge difference to transporting it to site and, also, exerts a lot less downward pressure when manoeuvring the unit over customer patios and gardens.” He continues, “It’s a very well-balanced machine, with a lot of processing power for a stump grinder of its size.” “Not only am I a big fan of the machines themselves, the team at FSI and DJB Machinery are a pleasure to deal with” Dave adds. “I enjoy a stop on the FSI stand at trade shows and feel like my thoughts and feedback are really valued by the team – they’re clearly professionals who genuinely care about their equipment and the requirements of their customers. With FSI, it’s the full package.”

Having developed the first ever backpack blower in the early 1970s, ECHO know a thing or two about blowers. They have recently launched the PB-9010T backpack blower. Built for professional users and heavy-duty applications, it boasts an industry-leading 48.9N of blowing force, making debris removal almost effortless. The PB-9010T is the culmination of years of designing machines that are not only powerful, but put operator comfort at the forefront of the process. The combination of a powerful 79.9cc engine, air speed of 97.8m/s and a maximum air volume of 1907m³/h enables operators to complete tasks faster and more efficiently . With operator comfort in mind, the PB-9010T features a 5-point anti-vibration system, ergonomic backpack straps, and a hip belt to reduce fatigue. The unique operator back ventilation system provides cooling airflow during hot weather and can be disabled for colder conditions, ensuring year-round comfort. A patented metal wear ring enhances durability and protects the blower tube from wear, while the top-mounted, tool-less air filter allows quick maintenance in the field. Built-in cruise control means constant speed is easy to maintain. The ECHO PB-9010T is available now from ECHO dealers nationwide and is priced at £899 (inc-VAT).

After a busy winters work, operating in all weathers and ground conditions, nesting season provides the ideal opportunity to consider giving your woodchipper some well-needed TLC! GreenMech offer operators some top tips on simple, routine maintenance to consider conducting over the summer months to prevent costly repairs and downtime. Looking firstly at towed woodchippers. If you’ve been working in dusty environments, check and clean radiators and filters to ensure water-cooled engines retain adequate airflow to perform effectively. If your engine is air-cooled, the engine inspection panels and any debris should be removed to prevent any ‘hot spotting’ of the cylinders. Like a vehicle, fluid levels should be monitored to maintain the operational integrity of your chipper. If the radiator has a header tank, check the level in the radiator and change the fluids/filters as instructed in the machine manual. Grease the chipper as per the manufacturer’s instructions and inspect all safety features such as the control bar and cut-out switches to ensure these are working as intended. Sharpen the blades to avoid the transfer of shock loads into the bearings – a good edge on the shear bar/anvil is also needed for efficient chipping. As obvious as it may seem, give the chipper a wash down! Keeping your investment clean will help to prevent degradation of the paint from residual dirt and salt. While inspecting your towed chipper, don’t forget the trailer. Ensure the brakes, lights, floor, ramps, securing points and tyres (including the jockey wheel) are all in good, road-legal condition. For tracked woodchippers, all of the above tips also apply. In addition, ensure that the tracks are in good order, with no visible signs of damage and that tracking components and controls are operating as intended. Next, double check the toolbox – if you needed to refit a lost track as per the manufacturer’s instructions, would you have the right tools to do so? Finally, check the condition of any additional accessories, particularly winches which should be equipped with quality rope in good condition. Those operating a tractor mounted/powered woodchipper will note that many of the pointers already listed will be applicable to both the chipper and the tractor. In this scenario, you’ll also want to ensure that the correct specification PTO shaft is fitted, in good order and with the correct guarding. Some have a ‘slip clutch’ which will need to be set at the correct torque settings. Others may need a ‘shear bolt lobe’, so check you have some spare bolts in the toolbox. Check the hydraulic hoses are correctly fitted and that the in-cab controls are working as they should. If a 12v supply is needed to run the ‘No Stress’ device or beacon, ensure that the correct light cable is refitted if the tractor is intended for highway use. Finally, grease as required – not forgetting the UJ spiders and plastic guards covering the shaft. More details can be found within GreenMech operator manuals or by speaking to your local approved dealer. To find your nearest GreenMech expert, visit www.greenmech.co.uk